Eliot asks me as she enters the dining room. Early morning light filters through the heavy, ancient curtains. “Yeah.” I lean back in my chair and stare at my hands. Eliot sits down across from me. “Good. I have some work that’s going to keep me out late tonight, so I’ll take the room adjoining yours. That way you can get your sleep. How does that sound?” My stomach twists. I hadn’t even thought about that. The thought of being alone terrifies me. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed together?” Ellie shrugs. “Normally we would, but some of these meetings go on through all hours of the night, and I don’t want to disturb you. Besides, marriages are annulled when either party has an Exchange so technically we’re not married any longer.” She studies me for a few seconds. “However, if you’re nervous, I can try to move the meetings so I can stay with you.”
